Needs
First Step Communities (FSC) is seeking unrestricted funding to increase critical staffing to address the growing incidence of mental illness and substance abuse in our population and expand our infrastructure. FSC will finish 2022 with 4 geographically dispersed shelters/interim housing communities with the capacity to provide shelter for more than 700 clients annually. Most of the program specific staffing requirements will be funded by their sponsors. Our long-term success however will require growing an efficient staff to manage the activities which span across all our programs such as: mental health clinicians, human resources and training, ongoing infrastructure development, volunteer coordination, and strategic planning. In addition, there are always gaps in the requested and actual funding for programs for things like shelter staff, front desk attendants, and maintenance/monitoring personnel. In those cases, FSC plans to manage a "pool" of resources to be used at multiple sites.
First Step Communities is seeking program funding to help with the construction of tiny home - sleeping cabins for our communities. FSC is working with Studio 81, various builders, Urban Land Institute, local AIA architects, Homes4Homeless, Pride Industries, NCCT, Home Aid, and others to design and build several styles of sleeping cabins. The total cost of a cabin will be less than $18,000. They are constructed to provide heat/air and energy efficient structures. Each cabin will be designed to provide interim transitional housing for one or two people. They are approximately 120-160 square feet and contain room for beds, storage, work surfaces, and some small furniture.
FSC will also proposes a larger cabin option for a family or single parent with children. Specifications for the cabin may vary, but the cost will remain under $15,000. First Step Communities is seeking In-Kind donations and pledges to support the construction of a community center and medical clinic to serve as the heart of the larger family focused village. In-Kind donations of building materials, construction labor, landscaping materials, and furnishings will help make the FSC village successful. Details and specifications will be available as we proceed. It is our hope that some of our collaborative partners will consider helping in their areas of expertise with plumbing fixtures, laundry fixtures, kitchen fixtures, and most of all labor.
First Step Communities is seeking funding for the construction of the community center and medical clinic. This structure is the heart of the community providing all communal facilities including restrooms, showers, laundry, kitchen, and dining areas as well as offices for case managers and medical professionals. Clients will hopefully develop a sense of belonging to a community of peers all working towards similar personal objectives. It is this sense of belonging and community that will help clients overcome a once weakened sense of self-worth.
First Step Communities is seeking land parcel donations for the development of a 1.0 to 3.5-acre village site. We are looking for parcels within the City of Sacramento and/or Sacramento County. The ideal location for a site is near public transportation. Other amenities in the area would be preferable although are not mandatory since we envision a self-contained village structure.